My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

box down on a stone table and opened it. Before she could even offer some to anyone, a group of children was surrounding her and staring eagerly at

cake is so

making a ‘wait’ motion with her hand, she lifted a knife and a paper plate, preparing to cut into the cake

on, Rae.” Julian stopped her and pulled some candles out of a box to the side. “Today is Miss Rachel’s birthday. Before she

to be a little

sing the

close her eyes and make a

blow out the

to Julian that

The delicate chorus of young voices would have a healing effect on any of its

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

make a wish on your birthday, Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish

to look, she found a little girl who wasn’t even at table height yet looking up at

a wish. After that, she blew out the candles and began to give the

thank you!” their

raced off, dabbing icing on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers in

light of the streetlamp, Rachel finally smiled for the first time in days. Thank

right now is to take care of your body and your mood.

never wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend it

changed the topic and told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder lately, so make sure to keep

turned and headed toward

apartment

was propped open by a large hand from

Rachel saw Justin glowering at her, his darkened face made all the

out on

explaining himself, he slid sideways into the house and shut the door before

been getting along

she took two steps back.

her as he pulled off his necktie

unmelting icebergs as he sneered, “I suppose you wouldn’t want

he approached her, forcing her

had no idea what she did

hold of her arm and pulled, she staggered after him and was dragged all the